Turbo is much stronger than Disney's Planes, and while parents may wonder if it's the right message to send youngsters that no dream is too big for the dreamer, Turbo is still a solid pick for family movie night.

Boasts one of the most one-note protagonist in animated film history, some troubling racial elements, and a paint-by-numbers execution that makes this film about the dream to go fast feel painfully slow.

Since Dreamworks are in the race with Pixar for the best animation studios (which everybody already know the result), they will make a movie every year and… MoreSince Dreamworks are in the race with Pixar for the best animation studios (which everybody already know the result), they will make a movie every year and Turbo's got his turn to race in 2013.. As usual, nothing special from this movie as Dreamworks always like to make a movie about talking animals.. But as an animation movie for general audiences, it quite entertaining so still cheer up Turbo!

Despite its visual appeal, ''Turbo'' is ultimately an extremely generic and dull effort from DreamWorks.

Dann Michalski

From DreamWorks comes the incomprehensible animated film Turbo. When a snail is transformed by ingesting NOS from a racecar engine he sets his sights on… MoreFrom DreamWorks comes the incomprehensible animated film Turbo. When a snail is transformed by ingesting NOS from a racecar engine he sets his sights on entering the Indianapolis 500. DreamWorks has always had problems intermixing human and animal worlds, and it's never more apparent than it is here; the plot and the characters make no sense whatsoever. Still, some of the comedy works and there are some exciting race scenes. And the cast is pretty impressive, featuring Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michelle Rodriguez, and Samuel L. Jackson. Yet ultimately Turbo just doesn't know what it wants to be, and as a result it ends up being a jumbled mess.

KJ Proulx

While following the formula of countless kids films before it, "Turbo" is the type of film that is just as light-hearted and heartwarming as it is… MoreWhile following the formula of countless kids films before it, "Turbo" is the type of film that is just as light-hearted and heartwarming as it is hilarious. With a story about a snail named Turbo who races in the Indianapolis 500, you have to be ready for ridiculousness from the beginning. I definitely prepared myself and it was a very fun ride! The voice acting is so Hollywood that it became a little distracting to me, and the father-son moments kind of made me role my eyes a bit, but there are truly some scenes that got me a little teary-eyed. "Turbo" is by no means the best animated film of the year, but it's a good watch if you have nothing better to do. Definitely recommended for kids!

Carlos Magalhães

The sort of enjoyable eye candy whose interesting premise gets sabotaged by a very predictable development full of played-out clichés about being who you are… MoreThe sort of enjoyable eye candy whose interesting premise gets sabotaged by a very predictable development full of played-out clichés about being who you are and overcoming your own limits. Still, it is entertaining enough and offers a great voice work.

Everett Johnson

**1/2
Turbo is a generic Dreamworks animated movie about a super fast snail that enters the Indy 500. Obviously this movie is a cash grab to get kids to buy… More**1/2
Turbo is a generic Dreamworks animated movie about a super fast snail that enters the Indy 500. Obviously this movie is a cash grab to get kids to buy toys and see sequels, but it is entertaining. The voice cast is very impressive. Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Paul Giamatti, Snoop Dogg, Michael Pena, among many others, all do a fantastic job. The animation while offering nothing new, is still eye popping. It's kind of a "Cars" meets "Bugs Life" mashup/ripoff, but it is what it is. Could have been a lot worse. Just in a Summer with 2 big, excellent animated movies("Monsters U" and "Despicable Me 2"), this one just falls a little short. But I'm not the target audience. My 2 year old loved it though, so I'm sure we'll have the blu ray on repeat this Winter. If you have kids, especially a little boy, then you gotta check it out. Otherwise, I'd say just pass on it and watch it when it's on Netflix.

Andy Spencer

With Pixar losing steam with each film it puts out, the playing field is more level than ever for competition to fill the gap left by the once-great animation… MoreWith Pixar losing steam with each film it puts out, the playing field is more level than ever for competition to fill the gap left by the once-great animation giant. Unfortunately, despite its imaginative premise, Turbo is simply too flawed to succeed where Pixar failed, failing serve up anything more than tired jokes and animation cliches.
One thing that animation has to have a lot of is action, otherwise it being an animated film is rather unnecessary. And while there are of course a few snail races, too much time is given over to dialogue and lame jokes, all of which could have been accomplished without the use of CGI. Every characteristic about a snail one could think of is used as the butt of some joke or bout of ridicule, from eye stalk length to shell size and pattern, and none are very funny. And while the voice acting is competent (Samuel L. Jackson is as distinctive as ever), there's nothing this film does that's notably good or bad. It's a thoroughly average snail tale that, while it will appeal to the child demographic, offers nothing of interest to any other.

Manu Gino

He's fast. They're furious.
Good animated movie! Who doesn't like a good underdog story? Well i for one do. Turbo is a fun, colorful, heart… MoreHe's fast. They're furious.
Good animated movie! Who doesn't like a good underdog story? Well i for one do. Turbo is a fun, colorful, heart warming and cute film about big dreams and small beginnings. The lively cast make for a really charming film, really liked the characters. It is a fairly predictable film but the heart makes it special and makes up for that mostly. The racing theme is fun but Cars has done it before in the animated genre though in Turbo that setting felt really good and genuine. I liked the idea of a diverse humble supporting cast though a few stereotypes are there but nothing offensive. Granted the story is weak and it could have been developed on a further level to enhance the film and characters. The music is an added bonus with some classics and pumping familiar tracks though original music would have been a bit better. It isn't the best animated film this year but it is sweet and a fun, quick and charming watch.
From the makers of MADAGASCAR and KUNG FU PANDA, TURBO is a high-velocity 3D comedy about a snail who dares to dream big - and fast. After a freak accident infuses him with the power of super-speed, Turbo kicks into overdrive and embarks on an extraordinary journey to achieve the seemingly impossible: competing in the world's fastest race, the Indianapolis 500. With the help of his tricked-out streetwise snail crew, this ultimate underdog puts his heart and shell on the line to prove that no dream is too big, and no dreamer too small.

Phil Hubbs

Dreamworks are on a roll here people, 'The Croods' 'Rise of the Guardians' and now this slick little number. Yet another insect tale and… MoreDreamworks are on a roll here people, 'The Croods' 'Rise of the Guardians' and now this slick little number. Yet another insect tale and another creature checked off the to do list (will there be an animated flick about every creature?), this little story is so obvious and easy I'm amazed it hasn't been done already.
A simple snail is turned into a super fast snail when he accidentally gets sucked up into a modded cars turbo engine and he somehow mutates into this supersnail (yeah you missed this idea Marvel). So this story is gonna be even more outlandish than the regular insect animations.
At first the angle of the film is much like any other creepy crawly kids flick, its silly but its still based around how that creature actually exists in reality. In a garden munching on leaves, lettuce, tomatoes, getting eaten by birds and avoiding dangerous situations like evil kids. But as the film progresses it slowly morphs into a clear 'Fast n Furious' rip off for kids. At first I wasn't too sure if I was gonna like it but luckily the plot takes us into the realms of F1/Indycar racing...I feared an all out cheesy chav filled bling fest.
The visuals are filled with neon which tends to be a cheap way to try and make things look cool but admittedly it does look quite good here. I do like the neon snail trail 'Turbo' leaves and how it follows the coils in his shell. Although the fact his little body made all sorts of car noises and his eyes lit up as headlights was a bit too far for me. I did also find myself liking his fellow snail friends with their ridiculous shells, it was totally daft but kinda cute at the same time. The snail crew were actually really amusing I must admit, S.L. Jackson really makes the most of his well known loud aggressive persona which was funny coming from a little snail. The rest were kinda cliched with the obligatory hip hop snail in a small crew that were clearly a parody of the characters in '2 Fast 2 Furious', 'White Shadow' was easily the best snail for me.
The story is insane though, this fat guy (Mexican?) finds Turbo and decides the best thing to do is enter him in the Indianapolis 500...yes the real Indianapolis 500. Now I have to say this concept is beyond surreal frankly but there we go. I can't really moan about it as this is in no way suppose to be taken seriously. I mean the snails supposedly only know of their little garden world, so how would they know what Mexican food is or anything in the outside world? oh right Turbo watches TV...I'll stop right here. Anyway if it were me I'd just get the snail on the news and travel the world showing him off, why risk getting the little fella crushed straight away?!.
Its definitely more of a kids film but I'm sure adults will enjoy some of it, the whole thing is so cozy and cheerful how can you not like it?. The quick little quips from various snail characters kept me amused, Giamatti as 'Chet' was good for that. The classic underdog (undersnail hehehe) tale, there aren't any surprises here lets put it this way. What happens in the race (the whole plot) is basic 101 story telling and you know what will happen a mile off. This isn't a problem though as the film is all heart, full of bright colourful visuals and some great little characters (crank up the merchandise machine).

Aaron Neuwirth

Turbo: I wish I was fast.
Turbo presents the idea of a snail racing in the Indy 500. There are reasons why this happens and the fact that the film is… MoreTurbo: I wish I was fast.
Turbo presents the idea of a snail racing in the Indy 500. There are reasons why this happens and the fact that the film is animated and intended for children allows for an obvious amount of suspension of disbelief, but let me reiterate that this is a film that presents the idea of a Snail racing in the Indy 500. Sometimes my tone is not too clear, but I can just say right now that did not like this movie. It is certainly bright, colorful, and full of talent from all sides, given the production value of the animation, voice cast, etc., but in terms of being entertained by Turbo, that just wasn't happening. I can imagine that those who buy into the premise will be more entertained, but given that the movie settled in its groove early on and did not have me on board, I can say pretty easily that I just did not care for this film.
read the whole review at thecodeiszeek.com

Bradley Wright

Turbo is a charming and fun animated feature that the kids will fall head over heels for, but it almost feels as if we have seen this kind of movie many times… MoreTurbo is a charming and fun animated feature that the kids will fall head over heels for, but it almost feels as if we have seen this kind of movie many times before yes? I have never personally watched a movie that has starred a snail before, but changing the species of the protagonist doesn't change the rehashed storyline. DreamWorks Animation has made some great films and some bad ones, but this film falls somewhere down the middle. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and there is never a moment that it won't capture you with its lovable characters and fun animation, but the story just feels so used up that you can't help but be a little annoyed by it. It almost felt like they were trying to create a mixture of the Pixar films "Cars" and "Ratatouille" with this film having many remarkable similarities. It involves a small creature with big dreams, a fat brother who disapproves of is dreams, is found by a human who is a bit of a loser in life, taken to a plaza where there is no business, but then the snail is able to bring business to the plaza by competing in the Indy 500. There is so many similarities that it just baffled me how so many people didn't notice it from the trailer. But that being said, this film doesn't lack for heart and it managed to make both the young and old have a fun time and forget the films problems. I liked the animation in the film as they have DreamWorks has never quite attempted to do a racing film before, and the end actually ends up being the most exciting and best part of the film. I was engaged in the race and it had me interested even though everybody knows what the outcome will be, which didn't take away from the fun. This film also has a very charming and broad voice cast, which includes actors like Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Pena who all made their characters enjoyable to watch. Despite a rehashed screenplay, kids won't be able to tell the difference as they watch this enjoyable and heartwarming tale of a snail who wishes to go fast.
The story follows Theo (Ryan Reynolds) a garden snail who wishes to be a racer and go fast. His brother Chet (Paul Giamatti) tells him this dream is impossible and to give it up. When he is injected with nitrous oxide he is given the power of super speed which ultimately leads him and his brother into the hands of Tito (Michael Pena), a taco delivery truck driver. Theo then changes his name to "Turbo", and together they get a chance to achieve their dreams when they are able to compete in the Indy 500.
The plot of this film is pretty much if they made a superhero movie for The Flash if he was a snail and animated. It's of course a story we have seen before but what surprises me is that DreamWorks is able to take a generic formula and tweak it to make it new and original which they didn't do in this film. They took the regular princess and prince story and turned that into "Shrek" which ended up being so great because it was almost a spoof, this film is just follows the formula and gives us a movie from it. When I was growing up I was the biggest fan of Pixar films even though I didn't understand the caliber of their genius at the time, and nowadays I am proud to say those original and heartfelt movies are what I remember from my childhood because they went outside formula and created masterpieces. I believe children are smarter than we believe, because they are the ones who decide which films will survive when they get older and thanks to that great films like "Toy Story" or "Finding "Nemo" have survived and are still among the most popular and original movies to this day. DreamWorks has created some great films as well that even have stuck with me to this day, old ones like Shrek or even new ones like "How to Train Your Dragon" were original and brilliant and shows me DreamWorks is capable of so much greatness. But I just didn't feel that greatness in this film, and it overall just felt like a harmless and fun summer animated film. Maybe it's because DreamWorks releases so animated films every year that they just can't all be amazing, but this film nevertheless gives us something good. I really enjoyed the characters in the film that keep the film flowing and fun. Turbo is a nice and humorous snail with dreams which makes him relatable to the audience, and his brother Chet is a downer who only wants Turbo to take life slow but that also makes him the reasonable one. Tito is a very enjoyable character and I was able to connect with his character more because we can see he is a selfless and lovable person who only wants to help his brother and achieve greatness. There is a group of snails in the film voiced by a bunch of famous actors that were really fun, but I will not go into detail about all of them. Overall many people like me will agree that the story is forgettable and doesn't achieve greatness, but the characters are enough for me and the rest of the audience walk out of the film smiling.
The voice cast manages to really shine in this film, even while some big actors never really serve a purpose. Ryan Reynolds has two films coming out this week, this and "R.I.P.D," so it will be interesting if he will give a better performance in that or in this animated feature. He gives Turbo a real lifelike felling, as if a snail actually could have hopes and dreams. Ridiculous of course, but his lovable and cool performance makes Turbo a very good protagonist to follow. Paul Giamatti is one of the best actors living today, and while he can't really show his true talent in a film like this, his character was still able to have the most heart out of anyone here because of his acting abilities. We see he doesn't want to watch his brother die trying to achieve some crazy dream, but we also see him grow in the film which really made me connect with him more and love his character. Michael Pena gives such a loving and charming performance that is impossible to not adore, as his character is by far the most fun human in the entire film. He is gullible and caring, which makes him perfect for a friendship with a snail. Samuel L. Jackson is just Samuel L. Jackson, which is anything I could've hoped for. How can I resist watching Nick Fury in animated form as a crazy and cool snail who is able to fight crows, that is just Sam Jackson style right there. Many other actors in the film such as Bill Hader, Snoop Dog, Maya Rudolph, Ken Jeong and Luis Guzman all have their nice moments but there is not a lot of time for them to really be remembered and they could've got anyone to play these characters. Overall I enjoyed the cast and without them giving us lovable and relatable characters this film would've been in big trouble.
Turbo could've been a lot of things, but no matter what the films lacks it still manages to have enough heart to be a good film. The kids will of course fall in love with the film more than the adults will, but it's that kind of magic and fun that I miss from my childhood and that animated films remind me of. This movie doesn't just focus on the idea of inspiring people and achieving our dreams, but also the bond of brothers and friends. Turbo and Tito meet and they have everything in common, they both wish for something more in life and they both have a brother telling them to just live the life they have. We see the bond with Turbo and his brother Chet grow in the film as they come to an understanding about what they want to be, and it was a nice thing to see in a film that has copied storyline. I usually don't have too much of a problem with animated films that are using a formula, but this film seems like it's trying to take elements of other films of its kind and mix it all into a film that is predictable and generic. Just knowing exactly how the film would end took me away from the film a bit and it made it less than great, but that is not enough to take away the films good qualities. You must watch this kind of film in the eyes of a child and ask yourself "would I love this if I were a kid?" and for me I probably would. But sadly I am stuck in my adult form and must review this film for some of the problems it has, but if you love good old fashioned fun and humor in an animated film, this is for you. The comedy in the film is fun and works well, although it's certainly not one of the funniest of DreamWorks films. It focuses more on the heart of the story and less on the comedy, which may or may not have been a good thing but we will never know. Director/Writer David Soren is a longtime DreamWorks Animation contributor and now he has finally gotten the chance to direct, and I believe he did has given us a worthy film in the line of 2013's animated features, while I still recommend parents take their kids to see "Monsters University" while they still have the chance. But if you are in the need of a fun film to lift your spirits, this is one for you.